SHREWSBURY

Robert F. Maher, long-time resident of Northborough, Shrewsbury and Wells, Maine, went to meet our Lord on February 20, 2025, after an eight-year battle against lung disease; he was 73 years old. Bob, as he was lovingly known by all, was preceded in death by his parents Francis H. and Jeanne L. (Whynot) Maher; by his brother Joseph Maher; his brother-in-law Hayden Wood, Jr. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Susan (Wood) Duffy Maher and their family: Morgan, Erin, Hayden, Bridjet and Colin Duffy of Shrewsbury and Aaron, Alex and Calvin Duffy of Hopkinton. Bob adored his grandchildren and looked forward to spending time with them. He also is survived by two sisters-in-law Jane Wood Pelletier of Holden and Joanne Wood of Framingham; a brother-in-law Harris Wood of California; several cousins, nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Born in Newton and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, Bob would return to Massachusetts as a teenager and graduate from Boston Technical H.S. prior to earning a business degree at Newton Jr. College. Throughout most of his career Bob was employed in retail management. He first worked several years as a store manager for the [former] Calvert's location at Olde Shrewsbury Village. It was here he met his future wife, Susan. Bob would later work for the Toys "R" Us retail chain where, as a regional manager he would travel the New England and New Jersey regions, opening numerous stores. He also owned a Wild Birds Unlimited store in Shrewsbury and Wells, ME. Throughout his life Bob mentored many young people over the years and was often told he was the nicest boss they ever had.

Bob loved nature – most especially the ocean, kayaking, swimming and, bird watching and all animals. He had a wonderful smile, a great sense of humor, a friendly face and was a true gentleman. Bob was a wonderful man who was looked up to and who will live in our hearts forever.

A funeral will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, with Pastor Brian Oxman officiating. There are no calling hours.

Bob's family respectfully request in lieu of flowers that memorial donations be made to Safe Haven Humane Society, Po Box 91, Wells, ME 04090 ( www.safehavenhumanesociety.org ) To leave an online condolence or to share a story, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.